© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State to Expand Medicaid to Cover Private Therapy

Chion Wolf
/
WNPR

Single adults on Medicaid will soon be able to get therapy someplace other than a clinic. A bill passed by lawmakers last week aims to make the coverage available this year. 

As it stands now, low-income adults on Medicaid can only get care from a psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker at a clinic. Advocates say that can lead to long waits for appointments and reduced access to care. The state has said it plans to change this policy.

Now, a bill passed by lawmakers confirms it. No later than October 1, the state will amend its Medicaid plan to cover visits for single adults to the offices of private psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, alcohol and drug counselors, and marital and family counselors.

Vicki Veltri, the state's health care advocate, said this is good news. "I think if you're a person who supports access to behavioral health services in the Medicaid program," she said, "this should be very welcome news."

An official from the state's Department of Social Services said the bill simply memorializes what the agency was already planning to do.

Jeff Cohen started in newspapers in 2001 and joined Connecticut Public in 2010, where he worked as a reporter and fill-in host. In 2017, he was named news director. Then, in 2022, he became a senior enterprise reporter.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content